New electric scooter sharing company Neon Ride plans on bringing their sustainable transport option to the Noosa region.
A recent trial of the e-scooters in Noosa was largely supported by the community with 105 people signing up to ride the scooters, averaging at five rides a day on each scooter.
Co-founders of Neon Ride, Michael Bailey and Thom Wheeler said that they were really happy with the amount of good community engagement during the first trial.
“We first created the app in September 2017 and we think Noosa is an excellent location for Neon Ride as there are lots of gaps in the public transport here,” Michael said.
“We want to provide a fun transport system that is super accessible to everyone in the community, tourists and locals alike.
“We are excited to be working with the council to bring a sustainable transport option to Noosa.”
Michael and Thom are applying for a commercial use of community land permit through the Noosa Council.
Council’s Property Manager Clint Irwin said, “Council has advised Neon Ride of the process for applying for a permit and the conditions under which the business could operate without one, such as by being based on private land zoned for commercial use.”
“Neon Ride’s application will be subject to the normal assessment process applicable to all permit applications,” he said.
Michael said that a private trial would be difficult as it would exclude the general public from being able to use the e-scooters and would not be cost-effective.
“We can do it but ultimately it does not achieve our companies’ purpose of supplying a sustainable transport option that is easily accessible and affordable for everyone in the community,” he said.
Councillor Jess Glasgow said he has personally been overwhelmed with support of the e-scooters from the public after the trial in Noosa.
To use the scooters, the public must first download the Neon Ride app, use the app to locate a scooter and then scan it to unlock with a $1.50 fee. Users can then ride to their destination for 20 cents per minute until they end their trip and lock the scooter.
Michael said that by regulation the scooters can travel at a speed of 25km per hour, although the scooters that were trialled in Noosa could reach the maximum speed of 17km per hour.
“The batteries get recharged every night by the Neon Ride team and we are introducing a system where users can recharge the bikes themselves overnight and receive a payment of $7,” he said.
“Our scooters are a sustainable option for people to travel to and from populated areas around Noosa, whilst at the same time enjoying the scenery.”
All riders must be 18-years-old and over to sign the app terms and conditions and are required to wear a helmet.
Neon Ride co-founders urge the community to have their say on the e-scooter sharing initiative by emailing the Noosa Council at mail@noosa.qld.gov.au.
